Masonique is music with the future in mind, fusing the hypnotic explorations of krautrock with the synthetic melodies of synthpop and the seductive swagger of glam. Muscular music with a psychological edge. Like a Scorsese directed prize fight between the heady pomp of Roxy Music and the savage dub of PiL, with Gary Numan as the announcer and John Peel as the referee.
Masonique began in 2015 as a solo songwriting showcase for Portland-based composer and performer Ron Mason Gassaway, co-founder of Party Killer, whose self-titled 2011 album was praised as “colossal” by Julian Cope. Aspiring to achieve a more complex and voluminous sound for Masonique he incorporated the exemplary percussion of Daniel Morris in 2017 (White Rooms, Gang Radio, Perseveration). The spry duo became a more robust trio in 2018 by adding the exceptionally talented Gerry Hathaway on bass (Depravity Scale, Arkham Sunset), releasing their first EP “Island of Disbelief” later that year.
Zero Hour is a song about ascendency. Putting aside the novelty of nostalgic obsessions and making way for the future. Transferring power to younger generations and undervalued communities instead of amassing wealth and influence for the historically privileged. Treating life like a relay race instead of a cage fight.
The world is burning and there are only two paths before us; reconciliation or destruction. From climate change to inequality we can either embrace an equitable strategy for this planet and each other, or continue to engage in an unsustainable cycle of exploitation and intolerance, condemning the future to dust. Like it or not there is no turning back. We have crossed the threshold and this is zero hour. Choose your path wisely.
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